The history and signification of this treaty have been long discussed by politicians and historians alike and there is a wealth of information available online and offline. I have however decided to discuss it, because it holds keys for developing our future together, and above all it shows that the ideas that Federalists promote now are neither new nor unheard off. Schuman was probably on the most notable European Federalists of the past century.

I highlighted some pieces of this text because they are important – under the cover of well written words are ideas that have transcended through time. Organized and “alive”, solidarity de facto and common basis for economic development, raising the standard of living and most important replacing secular rivalries with a fusion of common interests – the key elements of a united and unitary Europe are here.

Today these things have a very different meaning, and sometimes I think we managed to lose sight of the goal, while trying to figure it all out, even when not needed. I already hear complaints that we are going down a path that threatens our way of life, in favor of a more regulated lifestyle as in the US.

And nobody seems to remember the things set forth in this document that dates back 51 years ago. We got lost in bureaucracy and a certain Brussels wooden tongue that overcomplicates matters for everyone. Regaining our clarity in action is essential, especially now when Europe is plagued by economic conflict and budget closed-doors wars.

The text continues to be outspokenly federalist, when three paragraphs down from where we left off lies the following:

This resolution is so primarily Federal, that no comment is needed. Sure, there have been those who have sought to minimize its importance over the years, starting with De Gaulle all the way back in 1951. But the idea has lived on, and the European project has moved forward.

Today is marked by controversy – to go forward, and which way forward. Europe is once more divided. Consensus has not been yet reached. The question of national interest, in the common frame of the EU, has risen at an alarming rate in the last year. More and more issues that have nothing to do with Europe are being involved and used as pressure points in EU negotiations. Have we lost the path set in front of us by our forefathers? Have we forgotten their project?

Schuman in his now famous 1950 speech, dubbed The Schuman Declaration delivered on the 9th of May (ring any bells?) set forth this dream. Some aspects of the Declaration have since become obsolete, but the “step by step” process to unify Europe, Western and Eastern is not yet complete. And in order to complete it, we need to move forward.

Back in 1951 they were out of a terrible war and at the doorstep of the Cold War. Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech in 1946 highlighted the gloom that had come over Europe. Schuman’s Declaration showed the world that the sun still shines in Europe.